Thursday, December 27, 2012

So much has happened since my last post... professionally and personally. I've been on more photoshoots and I've had the pleasure of working with very talented people. Each day I get closer and closer to achieving my dreams, the mere thought of it has me overjoyed. However, I've still got quite some way to go...
For christmas, I got a 'tablet' to replace my destroyed laptop so I'll be able to better update you on my adventures. Till my next post, ciao!

Muah!
Xilomen <3

Inspirational Quote: "There is no never... just long periods of not yet." - Solenn Heusaff
Signing Out!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Recently, I did a photoshoot with photographer, Shawn Fields, who was a pleasure to work with. My make -up artiste, Alphaeus Litcot and I had a great time there. Shawn's wife was an absolute darling, she even provided us with refreshments! After Alfie had finished my make-up, we went into his studio where the shoot began. I met upcoming photographer, Michael Alleyne, who also took some shots of his own and his wife who chose the jewelry which was made by the talented, Louise Parris. I won't torture you much longer, here are the photos:

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I absolutely love to shop... trying on clothes, looking through the racks and putting together the pieces in my mind in order to create various outfits. This year, I've taken the plunge into thrift and sale shopping, I have no idea why I didn't do it before. Rave in Satjay mall had a sale that ended last Saturday, everything in the store for $50 which I took advantage of. I knew that I was searching for new heels to revamp my wardrobe because I had thrown out a lot of stretched out, faded and destroyed clothing also I had given away a lot of clothing that given to me by my mum (who doesn't understand me fashionably). As many of you know, I have a weakness for (faux) animal print and fur... I'm an animal rights activist and I wouldn't wear the skin of butchered animals.

My other platforms had rotted from neglect when I was pregnant with Ximena so I needed to replace them.

That's basically it for now, next stop... jewelry.

Fashion Quote: "You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet." - Christian Dior

Monday, October 8, 2012

Last night, I sang in Semi-final #1 of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest. A great friend of mine, Zoe Trotman, was my fairy godmother and provided me with the necessities I would have lacked in order to perform in the show. Orlando Williams, aided in sponsoring me but unfortunately I was unable to fit into the dress but luckily I had brought a spare dress. Raven, was my hair stylist and make-up artiste for the evening.

I sang, "Part Of Your World" by Jodi Benson, because I felt that my rendition of, "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" by Madonna, needed more work. I learned the musical version and was having a hard time replacing it with the studio version. I needed more time and that was the one thing I did not have, a few hours the most. In my stage presence, I felt I have done more.. I tend to hinder myself because of my nervousness. It's like I'm paralyzed but I force myself to move every 5 seconds like clockwork so that I would not stay in the same position the entire song. During the instrumental in my second song, "Memory" by Elaine Paige, I wondered to myself..."What the hell am I going to do? Its at least 15+ secs." However, vocally I was commended on being "on point" by several members in the audience, the contestants and the backstage employees. All I can do now is hope that I earned a spot in the finals and if I have... I have a lot of work cut out for me. I'd hate to lose my chance in winning this competition because I let my nerves get the better of me. I know that I have what it takes, I practice everyday... I hear my ability and I know that I can only get better.

I'd like to thank those who continuously support me... you guys are the best :).

Inspirational quote: "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. - Henry Ford"

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

I entered the Richard Stoute Teen Talent after a last minute decision to do so and in record time as well. I found out when I arrived at 'practice' that three days from then was the last preliminary. I felt prepared, I had chosen to sing a Whitney Houston classic, 'I Have Nothing' and a 1992 chart topper called, 'Stay' by Shakespeare's Sister. Having found out that my first song choice was chosen, I opted to change them both... I then chose a ballad from Walt Disney's The Little Mermaid, "Part Of Your World" and "Hallelujah" by Alexandra Burke to advance me to the next round. Thankfully, they both did.

(This is how I looked after my preliminary at around 2 am.)

Now that I am in the semi-finals, I've decided to take on more challenging songs and I hope I won't pay dearly for it. Feel free to come out and support me this Sunday at The Plantation Garden Theatre. Tomorrow I've got a busy day ahead of me, wish me luck! I'm off to bed now, its after 2 am now. Toodles!

Inspiring Quote: " When you cease to dream, you cease to live." - Malcolm Forbes

Once again I'm guilty of being inactive on my blog, I'm going to try to do something about that. These days I've been rather busy, I did a couple photo shoots, fashion shows and even some singing. Let's start from the beginning:

I answered a casting call on ModelMayhem from RadBe Photography, a Bajan born photographer based in Connecticut. We met up at the (abandoned) Almond Beach Hotel where we did a casual fashion shoot. It was great working with Rad, not only did he embrace my craziness.. he took the time to find out my weaknesses and worked very hard in helping me overcome them. We climbed arch structures, braved mosquitoes, crawled and shot silhouettes in the setting sun. Hard work always pays off and here are a few photos from the finished product:

I had also gotten two photos from my previous shoot with my friend, Franz Gittens. After our first shoot, we decide to do another shoot but being that I didn't bring any other clothes, I had to improvise. Hope you like them!

Photographer: Franz Gittens

Photographer: Franz Gittens

Recently, I auditioned for the PHOTACC panel to become part of their model base. I walked at the Small Business Association's "Fashion Show" and the Saint Philip's Constituency Council Annual Trade Show's "Fashion Show". I collaborated with amazing designers such as Orlando Williams, owner of LindaBelle Creations and Designs, talented make-up artistes (Anansah and Alfie Litcot) and amazing models, whom I hope to work again with in the near future. Shemara Morris was one in particular, a single mother and aspiring model whom I became fast friends with. She's confident, beautiful, a trend setter and not afraid to stand for what she believes in even if it means standing alone. She has a smile that would light up an entire room not to mention a walk that makes everyone in the room stop what they are doing and pay attention. She makes her presence known and I have a feeling she will make an impact in the fashion world for petite models. Here's to making dreams come true!

Model: Shemara Morris

Photographer: Risee Chadderton

Girl Next Door Publication

Inspirational Quote: " All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Recently, I've been busy enjoying my summer to the fullest, which also included photo-shooting. It all started when a photographer friend of mine asked me to come down to his studio to help him test of his equipment. So at 10 pm, we were at the studio with another close photographer friend of mine, Darren Williams. Who was kind of enough to assist on the shoot and he was very helpful :). Earlier in the evening, I had a make-up practical done on me by a classmate at SJPP, so all there was to do was change my clothes and strap on my heels. Without further ado, here's the finished product that I have received:

Photographer: Franz Gittens

Assistant: Darren Williams

Model: Ronelle King

Make-Up Artiste: Unknown

Photographer: Franz Gittens

Assistant: Darren Williams

Model: Ronelle King

Make-Up Artiste: Unknown

Photographer: Franz Gittens

Assistant: Darren Williams

Model: Ronelle King

Make-Up Artiste: Unknown

I found them both pleasurable to work with and I'd do it again if the opportunity were to arise once more. I really enjoyed myself and one could see that from my second photo. What I like most about that photo is that there are hardly any photos of me smiling. Personally, I'm not one to take photos of myself or let others do so but when I'm on set being made up and changed into clothing... there's something about that process that makes me love it. As well as the artistic side of it but I'll get into that another time. Let's just say that after my first shoot which was with Photographer Dave Cox, I've been addicted to being in front the camera (modeling) ever since.

My second shoot was with Photographer Andrew Browne at the beach and that was a short and interesting shoot. There has been only ever once I've had to take directions from a photographer and Andrew succeeded in giving me them well. We got along absolutely fine, when I arrived we took some photos in what I had worn and then I had to change which required me to run across the road and into a family friend's home in order to change because the beach's bathroom was locked. I did it quite fast and I was rather proud of myself. Of all the photos we took.. this is the one I love the most:

Photographer: Andrew Browne

Make-Up Artiste: Ronelle King

Model: Ronelle King

What I adore about this photo is the innocence that it portrays, I usually one to be taking 'fierce' photos and its nice to see a smiling photo or a 'soft' photo in this case every once in a while. In this photo and the others above you can see that I got a second piercing and that I dyed my hair ... again, which I'll tell you guys all about as well as other 'changes' in a post coming soon #CreatingXilomen. Thank you so 'accompanying' me on my journey and I hope you've been enjoying it so far...

Inspirational quote: "Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow" - Doug Firebaugh

A while back, I entered the Kurama Magazine's 'Personal Style Challenge', it was a competition among models all over the Caribbean to see whose photo could gain the most likes in order to be featured in the magazine. Each model was expected to wear an outfit that best portrayed their unique sense of style and personality. Along with being featured in the magazine, the winner would have received a gift basket of skin care products compliments of Mixology Skincare.

I entered my first ever photoshoot photo taken by the talented Benjamin Drakes. It was a nerve wracking and learning experience to say the least but I'm very proud of myself for having the courage to enter. Congratulations to the winner! :)

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Often we take for granted who we really are, trying our entire lives to fit in when we were born to stand out.

All my life I've been trying to be someone I'm not. I can see it in the walk, the way I talk, the way I laugh, my posture, my antics, etc. Everything I am is a reflection of every person I wish I could be. Being to harsh on myself, wondering why I don't look like this person and why I'm not shaped like that person. Succumbing to peer pressure by doing things I wouldn't dream of doing. Blaming everyone who has ever done me wrong and not realising I've been doing "wrong" to myself as well.

I'm not appreciating who I am, not loving who I am, realising that I am beautiful JUST the way I am and that I live my life, NOT the people who try to change me.

No one's opinion about myself is greater than mine. Yes. Sometimes I have trouble remembering that but that's all in the learning process.

Music has played a very important part of my life and these three songs, "Who You are - Jessie J", "Price Tag - Jessie J ft B.O.B" & "Fucking Perfect - P!nk" have influenced me greatly... as well as many others.

"Who You Are"

I stare at my reflection in the mirror:
"Why am I doing this to myself?"
Losing my mind on a tiny error,
I nearly left the real me on the shelf.
No, no, no, no, no...

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars!
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay.
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.
Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,
Just be true to who you are!
(who you are [x11])

Everybody hurt some days and its okay to be afraid. I cant think of harming myself or being self destructive everytime the going gets too tough or as though i felt as if i've had enough. The race is long, its hard... no one said it'll be easy but in the end it worth it.

"Fucking Perfect"

Made a wrong turn, once or twice
Dug my way out, blood and fire
Bad decisions, that's alright
Welcome to my silly life

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss, no way it's all good, it didn't slow me down
Mistaken, always second guessing
Underestimated, look, I'm still around

Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than, less than perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing you are perfect to me

You're so mean when you talk
About yourself, you are wrong
Change the voices in your head
Make them like you instead

So complicated, look how big you'll make it
Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game
It's enough, I've done all I can think of
Chased down all my demons, see you do the same

This song basically is the soundtrack of my life. I allowed them to get the better of me, make me feel worthless but no more. No matter how hard they try to tear me down... I'll make it because I've got it in me to succeed.

Its time to re-invent myself and show the world who I am and what I'm made of. Every second is a passing chance to start over, to try, to do something with my life. Its also a chance a make an impact in this world. Can you feel it? I know I can.

"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. - Christopher Reeve"

Saturday, March 17, 2012

I'm currently doing my Advanced Nail Technology Course, yay! Its going great so far... Getting to class is such a struggle. I've got to walk with a suitcase down the hill and all of Ximena's stuff because he wont come for her, that's not even the funniest part... he lives 5 minutes away. Soon this will all be worth it, when i'm successful in achieving my life goals. I got a call from SJPP today, -err- yesterday, I got into the Basic Massage Therapy Course which starts in April. I'm looking forward to that, #AnotherLifeGoal to be completed. I applied to do a full-time course as well, 'Esthetics', but that doesn't start till August/September; so I decided I would do a part-time course that I was also interested in which will finish in June. I honestly dont have time to waste anymore... every day that goes by, life goes on... i dont want to be left behind.

Ximena has been doing well, she has been saying a few words and phrases like, "give me", she knows the sign language for "where does it hurt?" in reference to an 'owwie'. She outgrew another shoe size, pamper size as well as clothing size. She's grows so fast! I'm teaching her how to feed herself with a spoon and fork; that has been easier than I thought it would be.

Activity for the month: I'm counting down the days till UWI Carnival (KadUWIval), I've got my costume, my boots and all I'm ready for is March 24th! The next day I have to carry Ximena to The World Kids Fair, there she'll have her fair share of fun. :)

Well that's all for now... I'm so exhausted.

Inspirational Quote: When you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

I've been awfully busy trying to piece back together my life... a lot has happened since I last posted here. I intend to return but the words aren't flowing like they used to. I guess that's what happens when life decides to make your life more eventful than it needs to be. To be continued....

Bio

I'm a 23 year old mother from the island of Barbados, who is intent on pursuing a career in Singing, Modeling and Acting. I work as a Nail Technician while studying Theatre Arts and Music in the comfort of my own home. Tattoo/piercing addict. Book lover and fashion stalker.